Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Does anybody notice an increase in symptoms over time with a new medication regimen? I feel like when I start a new medication combination, things will settle down for a short time (a month or so), but then symptoms steadily increase despite staying strictly on the same program. It's very frustrating as I'd like to get some longevity with something without having to increase dosages in such short time periods. What are your experiences?
I think I have a very active (read healthy) immune system - never been sick all my life - until the RA hit of course. The first couple months with Humira I would get a lot of ups and downs with those nasty flares until it calmed down after 4-5 months. My theory is that my immune system was fighting back at the Humira. Some days the Humira was winning by suppressing my immune system like it is supposed to. Then on other days my immune system would say "not so fast" and kick into high gear pushing back against the Humira. Of course my immune system kicking into high gear would bring those awful nasty flares.
Told you I had a weird analogy to this......